The place is about 8 kms from Thirunelveli, on the banks of River Thamirabarani.

The place is known as Venkatanadha puram, Then Tirupathy. This place is compared Tirupathy up hills. As we see here two temples for perumal one is referred to temple of Tirupathy on Hills and the other one to Perumal temple of lower Tirupathy. There is a Siva temple related to Sri Kalahasthy temple near Tirupathy.

The temple is on a small hillock known as Swetha malai.

Main deity is Venkatachalapathy with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in standing posture. We see Thiru Venkta Nadhan with four hands of sanku, chakkram in two hands and the other two as Varadha hastham and kadi hastham.

The temple was renovated by Venkatappa Nayakar of 14th century. Sthala Vruksham is Bamboo and teertham is known as Sreenivasa Teertham, and River Tamirabarani

There are 12 steps to reach the main sanctum which signifies 12 Azwars.
We see a dwajasthambam and Garudazwar near the kodi maram. There are Artha mandapam, Maha mandapam and main sanctum of Lord Venkatachalapathy.

Purana says Azwar’s are like steps for devotees to climb and worship Lord Venkatachalapathy. Bylar, the student of Vyasa Muni, worshipped Lord Vishnu in this place. There was no temple at that time. He did his prayers only by thinking of Lord (manasa).

Seventh day of his worship a light emerged from the flowers he offered and in this he saw Venkatanadha Perumal and also Sreenivasa Perumal. Bylar was blessed by Lord, and to fulfill Bylar's wish, Lord Vishnu stayed back in this place as Venkatanadha perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

There is another sanctum for Venkatesa perumal and Alarmel mangai Thayar. If someone is unable to visit Tirupathy, and pay their offerings due to some reason, they can pay their offerings here in this place.
Hence the place is known as Then Tirupathy

There are stone inscriptions which say Thirmalai Nayakar and Viswanadha Nayakar visited the place and worshipped the Lord here.

King Venkatappa Nayakar had no child and he visited temples, when he visited this temple he heard a voice asking him to do pooja and fed kids in the temple and he will be blessed with child. He did as he was told and was blessed with male child who was named as Sreenivasan. He developed the temple and the place was named after him.

Garudazwar idol of brass metal is seen.Here his wings are together and his hands are holding Chanku and chakkram which is a rare aspect.

Keezha Thiru Venkatanadha Puram: Varadaraja Perumal

This temple is about half a kilometer from Venkata nadha perumal Temple.

Main Deity is Swyambu Moorthy of Varadaraja perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in standing posture. He is with chaturbujam in which to his right hand palm they say Dhana reka is seen, and gadhai to the left hand.

Devotees can give a coin and get it back after placing it in Lords palm, which has to be preserved.

Kings Chera Chola and Pandya renovated the temple during their regime.

Purana says one day King Veera Pandyan gave a surprise visit to temple at that time pooja was performed well and the King was honored properly. King was happy with the Poojari and rewarded him. After he left the original poojari came to know that he was saved by Lord, whom he worship daily.

Brugu Muni worshipped Varadaraja Perumal of this place. This place is referred to temple of Lower Tirupathy Perumal. We see Sthala Vruksham which is Bamboo tree and Abaya varadha Hastha Anjaneyar in a small sanctum as we go around the Temple.

Kailasa Nadhar temple:

The temple is in Keezha salai, Keezah Thiru Venkatanadha Puram:

This is one of Nava Kaiyalam Temple dedicated to Navagraha’s. This place is for Raghu graham. Here we see presence of Nagar in all the deities in the temple which is unique.

Once Romesa Muni, requested Agastiyar to bless him, to have the darshan of Kailasa Nadhar. Agastiyar felt happy and he asked him to the sangamam place of River Thamirabarani.

Agastiyar said he will float nine flowers in River Thamirabarani and they will help you. He asked him to install a Sivalingam in those places where the flowers touch the shore. The deity in this place is to be named as Kailasanadhar and Sivakami Ammai.

These nine temples are known as Nava Kailasam dedicated to each Navagraham.

Main deity is Siva Lingam known as Kailasa Nadhar and his consort Sivakami Ammai.Lord Siva is known as Godha Parameswarar.

The entrance to the temple is from south is in use and we see Kanni Vinayakar, Sri Arumugar, Dakshina Murthy, Nellaiappar, Sri Chandikeeswarar, and Sri Bairavar as we go around the prakaram. The temple has Maha mandapam, Artha mandapam, and main sanctum.

The Arumugha Nayanar deity is made of single stone. He is seen on Peacock with six faces, twelve hands and Nagar carved to his chest.
There is a Pradosha Nandi seen in Mandapam.

They say the Siva lingam in the sanctum was covered by ant hill. The poojari used to bring the neyvedyam for Lord Siva, ringing a bell, because there used to be a snake. When he does like that snake used to move away from the place.

When milk abishekam is done, they say we can see lines on Siva Lingam like a snake and we feel as though it is moving away from there.

Main deity is known as Navaneetha Krishnan.The Deity is of Salagramaha Stone. Lord Krishna is a small boy with butter ball in his hands.

The temple is of two prakaram with main sanctum, Artha mandapam, Maha mandapam and Mani mandapam. The temple structure is of stones.

Purana says before independence the temple belonged to Trivandram district. There were Vedic pandits living in this village. Sri Villiputthurar listened to Bagawatham in Sanskrit and translated it in Tamil language.

Vallimalay Kavirayar was the person who translated Tiruchendur Puranam in poetic form in this place.Vallimalay Kavirayar was not interested in studies, and he joined as a cook inTiruchendur Murugan Temple. One day when the Abishekam was taking place in the temple he was so deeply immersed, in watching the abishekam for Lord, he forgot to do the prasadam for Lord Murugan.

Committee members were not happy about his act and they removed him from the job. Kavirayar was frustrated and wanted to commit suicide at that time Lord Murugan appeared before him and told him his birth was for some mission.

Lord Murugan said the mission is not yet completed, and asked him to go to Cheval village and meet Krishna Sastry who will help him. He met Krishna sastry and learned that, Tiruchendur purana was in Sanskrit which he learnt and translated in Tamil in the form of Poem.

He wanted the book to be realesed first at Tiruchendur Murugan temple. There he was insulted and the copy of the script thrown in the sea. The script was found by a devotee of Murugan, in Manaimuri, of SriLanka. He took the script and was reading it daily.

Once there was poisonous viral attack due to which many lost their lives. The people in the land were devotee of Murugan was living, did not suffer. They came to know the script is holy book and that was the reason. Everyone from then on started reading the Script and worship Lord Murugan.

There are beautiful sculptures carved on the wall to roof which depicts the stories of Ramayana

Melacheval Lord Siva Temple:

The main deity in the temple is Swayambu Lingam known as Aditta Varneswarar and his consort Soundra Ammal.

There is a Dwajasthambam as we enter and nandi to front. Ganesha is known as Anugnay Vinayakar.

Tharuvai: Perumal temple.

The place is about 8 kms from Thirunelveli, on the banks of River Thamirabarani.

Main deity is Venkatachalapathy with Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

The temple is a small one with a prakaram and a mandapam with main sanctum.
There is a small sanctum for Sastha near sthala vruksham.

Main deity is Murugan. As we go around the temple we Siva lingam known as Jayantheeswarar, and his consort Soundara Nayaki Amman in Artha mandapam.

Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam. Teertham is Saravana Poigai.
Other deities seen in the temple are Acharya Vinayakar, Natarajar, Bairavar, and Saneeswarar in different sanctums.

Agyastiya Muni, and Indran, worshipped in this place and were blessed.Arunagirinadhar, sang Tirupugazh on Murugan of this place.

Kanyakumari: The place is to the tip of India, to the shore of Indian Ocean.

Main Deity is bagavathy amman / Kanyakumri Amman with Japamala. This place is known as Kumari peetam, which is one of the pancha peeta Kshetram.
The temple is very old one, and it was constructed by Parasuraman. As we enter we see Dwajasthambam and enter into a mandapam. As we pass through,we reach the main sanctum of Devi Kanyakumari.

Other deities seen in the temple are Thyaga Soundari, Vinayakar, Sooryan, Nagarajar, and Badrakali.

Purana: There was an Asura by name Banasuran who worshipped Lord Siva, and gained a boon, that no male person should defeat him. Once he got the blessing, he started torturing all human beings. Bhoomadevi was unable to tolerate this, and she reported to Brahma who in turn went to Lord Vishnu who is responsible as a protector.

Lord Vishnu told Banasura can be defeated by female person, and this is possible only by Prasakthi. They performed a big yagam to please Parasakthi, and a small girl came out of Yaga kundam. She was great devotee of Lord Siva. She was spending most of her time in worshipping Siva. It was this place which was known as Kanyakumari in later days.

Kumari entered into teen age and they wanted her to get married, Lord Siva proposed, and the marriage was fixed. Narada muni was worried by this. Once if Parasakthi is married she will loose her power, so he approached and told parasakthi, that Banasuran may come to you as Lord Siva on the day of marriage. So to avoid this confusion, he said Devi should ask Lord Siva to get some rare things to identify him.

Devi thought it was good idea, and she told Lord Siva to get, a coconut without eye, Beetle leaf without veins and Sugarcane without node. She says if he fails to get it she will not marry, and he may have to return back.

Lord Siva was worried, and he somehow managed to get these three things and was heading towards her place, to marry her. Narada was once again worried and he started calling out as a cock, Siva heard this and he had to retun back since the time given by Devi was over.

Banasuran came to Devi and he fell in love with her at first sight. He asked her to marry him. She told if he can fight and defeat her she will marry him. Banasuran agreed and there was a fight between them. Banasuran was unable to withstand her, so his brother Mukan came to his help. Devi asked Kaali to fight with Mukan, who died in the place Mookambika.Devi killed Banasuran at Bana teertham in Kanyakumari.

At the time of his death he asked Devi to bless people who have bath and worship her here. The teertham here is equal to River Ganga.
Here we see Devi Kanyakumari with Japamala waiting for Lord Siva to come.

Lord Siva’s Temple. Devara Vaippu Sthalam.
The place is about 12 Kms from Nanguneri

Main Deity: Swayambu Lingam known as Sathya Vageeswarar and his consort Avudai Nayaki, or Gomathy Ammai.

Purana says Sri Rama and Lakshmana worshipped Lord Siva under Punga tree and they were blessed by Siva. Once there was a war between Devas and Asuras. Devas sought the help of Lord Siva, who asked them to penance at Kalandhy temple. They did as they were asked to do, by Lord Siva, and won a victory in the war against Asuras.

The temple is one of the Devara vaippu Sthalam.

Thiru Kurungkudi: Vamana Kshetram.

This is one of 108 Divaya Desam Temple. The place Kurungkudi is 47 kms from Thirunelveli Town. The main Gopuram is of five storeys and five prakarams.

Main deity is known as Sri Azhagiya Nambi, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi.Kurugkudivalli Thayar is seen in different sanctum.

Here we see in the prakaram Nidra Nambi and Kidantha Nambi in separate sanctums. In-between the two sanctums there is a sanctum for Lord Siva and Bairavar also.

Purana Says, during the time of Varaha Avatar Lord stayed with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in this place for sometime, and he shrunk his huge size to small, so the place came to be known as Kurungkudi.

There is a place known as Mahendragiri to west of Kurungkudi, where lived a backward cast person named Nambaaduvan. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Nindra Nambi and used to visit temple and worship from outside.

Those days backward class people were not allowed inside the temple. One day when he was on his way to temple, he was stopped by an asura, to have him as meal. Nambi requested the Asura to allow him to worship Lord Nindra Nambi, and then he will be back again to be a meal for him. Asura did not believe his words so, Nambaaduvan promised on the name of Lord. Asura left him.

On his way to temple Nambaaduvan thought probably this was his last visit to temple. As usual he worshipped Lord from out side the main entrance. He was sad about not having the darshan of Lord for this lifetime.

The Dwajasthambam moved a little away, for him to have the glimpse of Nindra Nambi. Nambaaduvan had a good darshan and he left the place, to meet Asura as he promised.

Lord as an old brahmin met him on his way back and asked him to divert his route, but Nambaaduvan refused to do so. He was strict in keeping to his words, and old Brahmin was not able to convince him so he revealed himself to Nambaaduvan.

When he went to Asura's, place who said he is not feeling hungry, but I want the blessing which you acquired from Lord. Nambaaduvan refused to give him the blessings which he acquired. Asura said, he should give him at least quarter portion for him to get out of this Asura form.

Asura was back to his normal form by Nambaaduvan’s help. This was on an Ekadasi day which is named as Kaisika Ekadasi. Even now they play the story of Kaisika puranam as a drama.

Importance: This is the mukthi place of Thirumangai Azwar.Lord was born as, Nammazwar in this place to the couple, Kari and his wife Udaya Nangayar. Acharya Ramanujar called out Vaduga Nambi as he used to call his deciple.

Nindra Nambi came as Vaduga Nambi and helped him with his hand box. Ramanujar went inside to worship Lord inside the sanctum, at this time Vaduga Nambi crossed him and went inside the temple first.

When Ramanujar went inside he did not see Vaduga Nambi following him and he understood that Nindra nimbi was acting as Vaduga Nambi all these while. So, the perumal here was known as Vaduga Nambi from then.

This is one of 108 Divya Desam. The temple is about 1500 BC, years old and later it was renovated by Pandya and Nayakar kings. This is a Swayamvektha Ksheram.

The place is about 33 kms to south of Thirunelveli.
The place is also known as Sri Varamangai, Totadri kshetram

Main deity is Swayam vektha Vanamalai Perumal, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in sitting posture. Urchavar is known as Devainayakan.Thayar Serivara mangai Nachiar is seen in different sanctum.

Indra Pushkarani is the holy pushkarani of this place.
We see other deities like Chakkratt azwar, Lakshmi, Sri Ramar, Andal, Garudan, Azwars, udayavar, Venu gopalan, and Manavalama munigal, in seperate sanctums as we go round the temple prakaram.

Purana says when Asuras Madhu and Kaitapan were killed, their blood spread over the earth and started stinking. Bhooma Devi lost her purity, and she started meditating about perumal who was pleased with her prayers, and he gave his darshan to her in Vaikunda Vimanam at this place. She was purified by Lord’s darshan.

King of Sindhu was cursed by Kusasana Muni, and he was roaming like a dog. Finally it reached this place and had a dip in the Chetru Thamarai Pushkarani. (Pushkarani with lotus flowers and the water is muddy). The dog came to its original form and worshipped here.

The urchava idol of Thayar was in the temple of Vada Venkatam. Once they were arranging for marriage celebration of Venkatesa Perumal with the urchava idol.

Sri Varamangai came in the dream of Sri jeeyar swamigal, and told him she is consort of Vanama malai Perumal.Sri Ramanuja jeeyar brought the urchava idol to this place and celebrated the marriage utsavam of Sri Vanamalai Perumal and Sri Varamangai

Nanguneri Siva temple:

This place is about 33 kms from Thirunelveli. This temple is close to Perumal temple. The temple is with a single prakaram. We find a big pushkarani to side in front of the temple.

Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Thiru Nageswarar and his consort Sivakami Ammai. Arunagiri nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Subramanyar of this place.

Purana says Lord Siva punished Yama for the sake of Markandeya, who prayed for help. Yama turned into a creeper by Lord Siva’s curse; he stayed here in this temple and worshipped Lord Siva. Since Yama was not able to do his work and there were no death taking place. Due to this Bhoodevi was burdened with weight, and she worshipped Lord Siva in this place and she was blessed. After this yama was also blessed by Siva and started doing his work. Since Bhoodevi Worshipped Lord Siva here he is known as Bhoomi Nadhar.

The place is about 7 kms from Ambasamudram, on the banks of River Thamirabarani.

Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Narumba Nadhar and his consort Gomathy Ammai.

Sthala vruksham Marudha Maram (tree), and River Thamirabarani is teertham.

Other deities in the temple are as we go around the prakaram, are Kanni Vinayakar, subraminayar, Sooryan, 63 Nayanmars, Agastiyar, Saneeswarar, Saraswathy, Sahasra lingam, Natarjar sanctum, Dakshina Murthy as Koshta deivam.

Purana Says Indra, penance and worshipped Lord Siva here under Marudha maram (tree), to get rid of his Brahamahathi Dosham. Lord Siva was pleased with his prayers and reveled himself, and Indra was blessed by Lord. Hence the place is known as Marudhur.

The place is about 22 kms from Ambasamudram.
The main Raja Gopuram is seven storeys with three prakarams.

Main deity: Swayambu Lingam Known as Vilvaranyeswarar and his consort Nithya Kalyani Amman.

Vilva tree is sthala vruksham and teertham is Chakkra teertham.
There are stone inscriptions, which say Nayakar’s of Madurai developed the temple.

The temple is one of the Devara Vaippu sthalam of Lord Siva.

Purana: They say the peetam is Darani peetam.Goddess Nithya kalyani was very powerful and the pooja performed in he temple was not perfect and there were lot of mishappenings, held back people visiting the temple.

A Brahmin who was well versed with Veda from Sringeri peetam did santhi, and some of her powers were passed into the peetam and a new sanctum was constructed facing south. It’s a hear say from then onwards, one who worships here is blessed with Anantha Kalyana gunas

Teertham is Pancha sunai teertham of some three hundred years old. There is a pushkar on the small hillock known as Sarabanga mamuni sunai teertham.

There is a Mani mandapam where we see Natarajar with Sivakami Ammai, and other deities like Sri Chandra Shekar and Sri Soundra Nayaki, Sri Dakshina Moorthy, Soma skanda Murthy, are seen.

Purana says King Dasaradha was cursed by parents of Sravana maha rishi who died when he went to fetch water for his parents, by king’s arrow. The King asked for a remedy from their curse. Once the curse is given it cannot be withdrawn and he can try a remedy for the sin. He was asked to clean the Vilva vanam in this place and erect a temple for the Swayambu Lingam and worship.

The King Dasaradha did as he was guided and he was relieved of his sin. We see Sravana maharishi sculpture is there.
The inscriptions say that Parivara Devadha was installed in the year 1216 AD. The temple is still older one.

Azwar Kuruchi: Siva Sailam.
The place is 14 kms from Ambasamudram. The main Raja gopuram of the temple is five Storeys

Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arul Migu Sivasaila Nadhar and his consort Parama Kalyani Amman.

Teertham is known as Athri teertham. We see Dwajasthambam and Nandi facing towards the main sanctum. Nandi devar of this place is very famous.

Other deities in the temple are Vinayakar, Murugan, 63 Nyanmars, Dakshina Moorthy, and Natarjar in different sanctums.

Something that is unique in the temple is here the main deity Siva lingam, is seen with hairs. There is a ventilator at the back of the main sanctum from there we can see the lines from top like hairs falling down at the back of Siva Lingam at the back. This is visible only when the Archakar gives Aarathi at the back of Siva Lingam.

This is perumal temple at a distance of 8 kms from Sri Vaikundam.
The temple is on a small hillock.

Main deity is Swayambu Venkatachalapathy of Sandalwood piece.
There is just a deep cut in the sandal wood piece on the top in two places.
This is like a separation of hands from the shoulder.
They decorate it in a nicely and the temple is well maintained.

Papanasam, Vikrama Singa pura:

Devera Vaippu sthalam of Lord Siva.

This place is about 10 kms from Amba Samudram and 42 kms from Thirunelveli on Western Ghatsof Podigai malai.
There is a falls near the temple known as Agastiyar falls.

Main Raja gopuram is of seven storeys, with two prakarams.Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Papavinasar, and his consort Lokanayaki Amman in different sanctum.

Lord Siva taught, Tamil literature and grammar to Agastiyar in this place. Hence Lord Siva is known as Ezhutharindhar, Atsharapureeswarar and his consort as Sri Sugandha Kunthalanayaki.

Sthala vruksham is Kalachedi. Teertham of the temple are Kalyana teertham and River Thamirabarani.

As we enter we see dwajasthambam and go around the prakaram Natarajar, Agastya Muni, Juradevar, 63 Nayanmars, Kalyana sundarar, Ulagammi, Arumugar, Saneeswarar, and Navagraha’s are seen. There is a Vinayakar and Iyyanar sanctum in the outer prakaram. Beautiful sculptures are seen to the walls of main sanctum.

Inscriptions say Pandya King Vikrama singar developed this temple and the place is known as Vikrama singapuram.

One of Nava Thirupathy related to Kuja graham, and Divya Desam temple.
The sthalam is about 2kms distance from Azwar Thirunagari.

Here we see main deity Vaithama nidhiin sleeping posture on Adiseshan with his right hand pointing towards his face and his left handing pointing towards ground. The measure is seen as a pillow here which was used to measure the wealth of Kubera. The hand that pointing towards him means that navanidhi (wealth) is with him.

Urchavar is known as Nithya pavithran in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi thayar. There are two sanctums seen separately for Kolurvalli and Kumudha Valli Thayar.

Teertham is Kubera teertham and river Thamirabarani.
The main Gopuram is mottai gopuram and as we enter we see Dwajasthambam and Garudazwar in small sanctum facing the Lord in the main sanctum. Yoga Narashimar is seen at the back of the main sanctum.

Purana says once Kuberan went to Kailas to see Lord Siva, there he lost himself for a minute in the beauty of Parvathy, who cursed him for the act, and said all his Nava nidhi, (wealth)and his eye sight will be lost.

When Navanidhi left Kubera, they came to Thirukkolur, and they were in the custody of Lord Vishnu. Kubera felt sorry for his act and asked a way to get out of this curse, to Goddess Parvathy.

He was asked to reach this kshetram of Thirukkolur on the bank of River Thamirabarani, and worship Lord Vishnu. Kubera came to this place and worshipped Lord Vishnu here. He got back, part of his Navanidhi (wealth) from Lord Vishnu hence the lord here is known as Vaithamanidhi.

Here the saying is, someone who loose their property can worship Lord here and get back their wealth.

Azwar Thiru Nagari:

Thirukurugoore, One of Nava Tirupathy for Brahaspathy graham, and Divayadesam temple.

The place is 6 kms distance from Thirunelveli on the banks of River Thamirabarani.
The main gopuram is of 5 stories, with three prakarams.

Main deity is Swayambu Sri Adi Nadha Perumal in standing posture with prayoga chakkram in hand. Thayar Adinadha Valli, and Thyar Kurugoor valli in two different sanctums.

Sthala vruksham is Tamarind tree. River Thamirabarani and Brama teertham are the sthala teertham of this place.
We see Dwajasthambam, garudazwar and proceed inside to left we see Venugopalan sanctum.

Sthala purana says Brahma was asked to worship Adi nadha perumal of this place before starting his creations of living beings on earth.

Adinadha perumal is considered as Guru for Brahma, the guru of creations and hence the place is known as Kurugoore. Bhooma Devi was rescued by Lord Vishnu as Varaha moorthy in this place so the place is considered as Varaha Kshetram.

Some thing unique in the temple is there is tamarind tree, with leaves always fresh.(Does not sleep). They say Lakshmana is the tamirand tree in this Yuga waiting for Nammazwar for long years and the place is also known as Sesha kshetram

This is one of the padai veedu of Lord Subramanya. The place is about 40 Kms from Sri Vaikundam.

Main deity is Lord Siva known as Sivakozhundeeswrar and Anandavalli ammai.Lord Subramanya is in thava kolam, so there is no Vel in his hand. At the back of the main sanctum there are five Siva lingam, and three lingam inside the main sanctum considered as Ashta Lingam

The place is known as Veerabhagu kshetram. Lord Subramanaya with Veerabaghu, defeated Soorapaduman in this place, so the place is known as Jayanthypuram. There is no Navagrha sanctum in the temple, only sani bhagawan is there. The place is mentioned as “Kapatapuram” in Valmiki Ramayanam.

We come to know the place and the temple existed even before and it is well known.Subramanya asked Devathhan Mayan, to construct a temple for Lord Siva, where he can worship him.

Here the Vibuthi prasadam is given in Panner pushpam leaf. There is a belief, Devas are in the form of Paneer maram(tree).
There is a small well which was made by Lord Subramanian to fulfill thirst of his battalion. The well is known as Nazhi kinaru.

The sea water is slightly reddish in color, because of the fight between Subramanya and Soorapadhuman. Arunagirinadhar sang Tirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this place.

Then Thiruperai:

One of 108 Divyadesam and one of NavaTirupathy. The place is important for Sukra graham.

The place is about 7 kms distance to Azwar Thiru Nagari on River Thamirabarani. There is an outer mandapam with sculpture to pillars.

We cross Dwajasthambam and have the darshan of Garudazwar in a small sanctum, which is a little away to the side, facing main deity.

Main deity “Magra nedung kuzhai nadhar”, in veerasanam posture.(sitting with his left leg folded). “Kuzai kadha valli Thayar” and “Thiruperai Nachiar” are seen in different separate sanctums. We see Brugu Muni and Markendayer to either side in front of main deity inside the sanctum.

Urchavar here is known as “Nigaril mugil vannan” with “Sridevi and Bhoodevi”. Teertham is Sukra pushkarani.

Purana: Once when Hiranyakshiban kidnapped Bhoodevi and Perumal rescued her from the asura after a fight with him. Vishnu blessed her and placed her on his lap. Bhoomadevi felt happy and was in trance.

Meantime Sridevi was looking out for Lord Vishnu, and she found Bhoodevi and Vishnu together and felt jealousy.
She asked “Doorvasa Muni” to help her in getting back Lord Vishnu to her place. Doorvasar came to the place of Lord Vishnu.

Since Bhoodevi was in trance and did not respect Muni. Bhoodevi was cursed by muni, and she asked for a way to get rid of it to him.

She was asked to penance here in Then Thiruperai reciting “Narayana Manthram”. After long years of penance one day she saw huge Kundalam in the shape of a fish. As she offers everything to Lord Vishnu, she offered the Kundalam also to him, which he wore and stayed back in the place and was known as “Nedung kuzhai nadhan”. He gave Lakshmi Devi’s features to her, and hence the place is known as Thiruperai.

Once Samudra rajan, did not respect Varunan, so, he lost his kingdom and his weapon Pasam. Asuras came to fight with Varunan; he was unable to fight against them.

Deva guru asked him to penance at Then Thiruperai and get back his weapon and kingdom which he lost. Varuna did as he was told. He was blessed by Lord, who poured water in his hand which turned out to be Pasam, (weapon) which was given to Varunan.

He was also known as “Mugil vannan” from then on.

Note: There is a Siva temple related to Budha graham which is one temple of Nava kailasm. The temple was closed and it opens at 6 pm, due to lack of time we missed the temple.

Perungkulam: Siva temple
This place is about 10 kms from Srivaikundam town, on the banks of River Thamirabarani.Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Ugra Vazhudeeswarar.Purana says King Ugra Pandiyan worshipped Lord Siva in this place and hence the deity is known as Ugra Vazhudeeswarar.
As per purana Thirukural book was realesed in front of the King, Nakkeerar, and poets (Sanga Pulavar) in this place. We see the sculptures of King and poets here in the temple.

Perungkulam:Nava Thirupathy temple.
This place is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples and Sani sthalam of Navagrha sthalam.
This place is about 10 kms distance from Sri Vaikundam town, on the banks of River Thamirabarani.
There is a pushkarani near the temple. To the right side there is Sreenivasar sanctum with Hanuman. We see Dwajasthaambam as we enter inside. There is a sanctum for Manavala ma munigal. Main deity is Sreenivasan known as Soranadha Perumal in standing posture and thayar,Alarmelmangai and Kulandhaivalli thayar. Perumal has Prayaoga chakkra and Sanku in two upper hands and the other two as Varadha hastham pointing towards his feet (surrender to him) and other as Kadi Hastham touching his knee. Urchavar is known as Maya Koothan, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Teertham is Prungkulam teertham. Here Garudan is seen along with perumal

Purana: Once the place was known as Thadaga Vanam. A brhimin named Vedasaran worshipped Soranadha Perumal here for a child. With the blessings of Perumal he had a child and named her Kamalavathy. As she grew old he wanted her to get married. Kamalavathy was not interested in getting married and leading a normal life, so she left to forest to penance and marry the Lord himself. Perumal was pleased with her penance and accepted her as his consort. The forest is known as Balika vanam.
Once, Vedasaran’s wife Kumudavalli was kidnapped by an asura. Vedasaran was worried and pleaded perumal to help him. Perumal wanted to help his devotee, so he killed the asura and danced on him hence, he was called as soranadha Perumal. Brahaspathi and Vedasaran worshipped perumal of this place and were blessed.

Tholaivilli Mangalam: Two temples together are known as Erattai Tirupathy dedicted for Raghu and Kethu. When nectar was distrubted among Devas and Asuras, two of the asuras were in the Devar group and got the nectar from Vishnu, who punished him but they were given the posts as Grahams. That is the reason why there are two temples with different deities for both relating to the place of Raghu and Kethu. One is Tholaivillai Mangalam Devarbiran and the other one is Tholaivilli Manglam Aravindha Lochanan.

Devarbiran temple:
This place is one of 108 Divya Desam, it is fourth temple of Nava tirupathy known as Erattai Tirupathy, and the Kshetram is reffered to Kethu Bagawan.

The place is about 34 kms from Thirunelveli, and 3 kms from Azwar Thirunagari. The temple is near River Thamirabarani with two Prakaram.

Main deity is known as Devarbiran in standing posture and Thayar known as Karunthadak kanni.
Teertham is Varuna teeertham and River Thamirabarani. Sthala vruksham of the temple is known as Vila maram.

As we enter into the temple we see Dwajsthambam, and Garudazwar in a small sanctum near it, facing main deity Deverbiran in the sanctum.

Main Deity Devarbiran Perumal is seen with Sanku and chakra in two hands, and the other two hands as Abhya varadha hastham and Kadi hastham. Thirumagal to his heart so there is no separate sanctum for Thayar in this temple.

Urchavar is seen as Sreenivasan with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi here.

Importance in this temple is one who worship the Lord of this place the soul attains Mukthi.

Purana : Once a Gandrava named Vidyadharan and his wife were deeply immersed in love at this place and they did not respect Deva Guru who was passing over the place. He was annoyed and cursed them to become Thulai and Vill. (thulai means Tharusu, balance).

Once they were out into normal state they realized their mistake, they worshipped Guru and asked for remedy to get out of his curse. He asked them to stay as Thulai and Vill inside the mud and penance at the place known as Kethara Nilayam

When a muni by name Suprabar, visits the place and clean the place for Yagnam to be performed by him, he will find you in the cleaning process and the moment he lifts you will be back to your form.

As it was predicted Suprabar muni choose this place for his yagnam and he found Thulai and villi, when he took it in hand turned out as gandarva and his wife. Since the Devas (Gandravas) did their penance and blessed, the place was known as Devarbiran. Muni Suparabar requested Lord to stay in this place and bless devotees.

Aravindalochanan:

This is one of the temples of Erattai Tirupathy and is considered important for Ragu Bagawan. This temple is near Devarbiran temple.

Main deity is known as Aravindalochanan, Chentamarai kannan and his consort Karundhadang Kanni. Teertham is Aswini teertham.

Purana says Muni Suparabar was worshipping Devarbiran with Lotus flowers with good fragrance, which Lord liked. He followed the muni to find the place from where he was getting the flowers for him. When he saw the place he was happy and wanted to stay back in the place.

Muni built a temple for him and worshipped him daily as he did for Devarbiran. Since the lord liked Lotus flower and his eyes are like Lotus he is known as Chentamarai Kannan. When Avirbagam (things which are included in Homam) is given it was taken by Devas.

Aswini Devar did not get any Avirbagam. He complained and was asked to penance and worship Aravindalochanan. As a result they were blessed and given Avirbhagam. Since they were using the pushkarni it was named after them.

As per Bramanda puranam Sathya seelar was living near River Ganges. He had three sons and one of his sons Vepidhakan was suffering of leprosy. Naradha muni asked him to have a dip in Aswini teertham at Tholaivili Mangalam and worship Aravindalochanan.

Vepidhakan did as he told. He recovered and attained moksha.

Azwarthoppu: Ekantha linga swamy

The place is near Azwar Thirunagari in the route of Thirunelveli to Thiruchendour.

The temple is about 1000 years old. The place was known as Thirunagari and vaada Kantheeswaram. They say many chittars worshipped the Lord of this place and were blessed.

A muni named Kanthai who is traced back to chittar worshipped and that is the reason the place is known as Kntheeswaram.

Main deity is Swayambu lingam known as Ekanthalinga Swamy and his consort Aramvalartha Nayaki. River Thamirabarani is flowing through this place. As we enter in we see Dwajasthambam and nandi devar in front. We see dwarabalakar to the side of the mandapam and a Kasi Viswanadhar lingam to front of the left dwarabalakar. Natarajar is seen in the Artha mandapam.

In the Maha mandapam Aramvalartha Nayaki in a seperate sanctum were we see dwarbalaki to either side near the entrance. Other deities in the temple are Kanni Vinayakar, Subramanya Swamy, Dakshina Moorthy, 63 Nayanmars, Saneswarar, Bairawar and Chandran.

This is 2nd kshetram of Nava Tirupthy and one of 108 Divya Desam. The place is important for Chandra Graham. The kshetram is considered as Mokshapuri.

The temple is near the bank of River Thamirabarani, about 2kms distance from Sri Vaikundam.

Main deity is Sri Visayasana perumal in sitting posture on Adiseshan with his consort Varaguna mangai. We see Sridevi and Bhoodevi inside the main sanctum. There is no separate sanctum for Thayar in this place.
Teertham is Agni teertham.

The main Raja gopurm is of 5 stories. There is a Dwajasthambam as we enter in. There is a small separate sanctum for Garuda near the Dwajasthambam facing Perumal inside the sanctum. Azwars and Achayars are seen inside in the mandapam here. They say, the soul attains Moksha, when death occurs here.

Purana: Romesa Muni was penancing here in this place for a long time with his desciple.There was a greedy fisherman living in the same place. He was hated by the villagers.

One day he died due to snake bite and his soul as a jyothi left for Moksha which was witnessed by the desiple of Romesa muni. He was surprised and he went to his guru and asked for an explanation.

Guru told in his previous birth the fisher man was King of Vidarpa Desam, and due to his bad company he had the birth of fisherman in his next janma. Due to the good deeds of his ancestors he was born in this kshetra, and attained Moksha. This was the main reason.

Purana says there was a Brahamim named Vedavith who lived in punyakoshaAgraharam near River Reva. After rendering his serices to his parents, and teacher he started penancing about Thirumal. He did not get the result for a long period and he was sad.

Lord Kesavan came in the form of Brahamin and asked him to do his penance at Nattham. When he did here, Lord revealed himself to Vedavith and gave him paramapadham which he wanted. As per request of Vedavith, Lord stayed back as Vijasanan in this place to bless his devotees who visited here.

One of Nava Thirupathy temple and one of 108 Divya Desam.
The place is near to Sri Vaikundam situated on the banks of River Thamirabarani.

The temple has two prakarams and main deity is Sri Bhoomipalaka Perumal on Adiseshan in relaxed posture with his consort Bhoomidevi, and Sridevi Thayar seen at his feet in sitting posture. The idol of perumal is about 12’ length. We see Brahma on lotus flower with its stem coming out from nabikamalam of perumal.

Urchavar here known as, Sri Kaichina Vendhan with his consort, Bhoomidevi, and Sridevi Thayar. There is no separate sanctum for Thayar here. They are at service to Perumal inside the main sanctum.

As we enter through main raja gopuram we see dwajasthambam with small garudan sanctum. This place is refered to Budha graham of Navagrahas.

Purana says once Perumal and Sridevi were going around the universe on garuda. They happen to see a place with natural beauty. They landed down and were taken up by the greenery and the river flowing beside. They stayed back for a long period, in the mean while Bhoodevi was searching for perumal. She came to know about their whereabouts and she felt jealousy.

She started penancing at padala lokha, to gain the love and affection of perumal.
Once when she was not there the earth, the seasons were not proper, draught was there and human beings suffered. Devas approached Perumal and asked him to solve the problem. Perumal went to Padhala Lokam and blessed Bhoodevi.

She realized her mistake and she understood that both Sridevi and bhoodevi are equal to him. They decided to share and do service for him. That is the reason we see perumal with both of them in the santum.

The Budha graham is destined for knowledge. Since Bhoodevi acquired her knowledge from perumal, who told her both of them are equal to him. This is the reason for considering it as a Budha graham sthalam.

Purana says once a Brahmin named Yagna sarma performed a big yagam which was headed by Sons of Vashista Muni. Yagna sarma did not pay homage to people who helped him in performing the yagnam. They got angry and cursed him to become a Rakshas.

Once a muni and his wife were in the form of deer,unknowingly Indra killed the deer. Since it was a muni he got brahama hathi dosha. To get out of the dosha he asked a remedy to his guru who asked him to perform a yagam at this place.

When Indra was performing yagam at this place Puligkudi kshetram , the rakshsas were disturbing them in doing the yagam. He approached Lord Vishnu,who came on Garuda and klled him with his gadha. After his death he was blessed by perumal and attained Moksha.